National Consultant - Support to Development of the Awareness Raising Campaign on Justice for Children

The consultant will provide technical assistance to the development of the Awareness raising activities on justice for children issues, including the evidence-based selection and formulation of key messages, definition of key target audiences, as well as proposal for the most effective communication tools and methods.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Assignment 

The consultant will provide technical assistance to the development of the Awareness raising activities on justice for children issues, including the evidence-based selection and formulation of key messages, definition of key target audiences, as well as proposal for the most effective communication tools and methods.

Assignment Tasks 

The "Protection of Children at Risk and Children in Conflict with the Judicial System in BiH" programme began in 2010 and has been addressing issues related to justice for children in a holistic manner. UNICEF has been recognized as the lead agency in this area, and has been working closely with the key Government partners to strengthen the systems of justice for children on all levels.

In 2013, UNICEF, Sida and SDC have agreed to enter into a second phase of the programme (2014-2017), which will build on the momentum created in advancing justice for children in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), consolidate initiatives underway, and incorporate lessons learned to enhance sustainability of efforts. The second phase programme activities starting from 2014 will focus on secondary and tertiary prevention, and strengthening child friendly justice mechanisms and procedures to improve child access to justice. The second phase will seek to improve the application of international standards in BiH as well so that children are better served and protected by the BiH justice system, including the security and social welfare sectors. In keeping with the holistic approach embedded in justice for children, J4C will address the needs of child victims and witnesses and children in civil proceedings and work to enhance services and extend support to them before, during and after criminal or civil proceedings.

This consultancy is related to the  Activity  2.1.4  "Conduct awareness raising on justice for children issues, in particular to prevent stigmatization of children in conflict with the law, in selected locations"  and J4C Project Output 4. Improved attitudes on justice for children among key stakeholders.

Expected Deliverables 

Under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Communication Officer, and in close collaboration with the Communication for Development Officer and Child Protection Team, the consultant will provide technical inputs and assistance for the definition of the Awareness Raising Campaign on Justice for Children issues, in particular to prevent stigmatization of children in conflict with the law in selected locations. This will include:

• Consultation with UNICEF Child Protection Programme and Communication teams and (potentially) key stakeholders of the project, secondary data collection from available reports (including Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey), analysis and documents. This may include meetings in various locations within Bosnia and Herzegovina and 5 days of preparatory research.
• Development of the Proposal of the Communication Plan, which will include:
  1. Selection of primary and secondary target audiences specified as narrow as possible (status, age, occupation, positions, gender, geography, interests…)
  2. Definition and formulation of 2-3 key messages for each selected target audience
  3. Proposal for the appropriate and efficient communication tools and channels and allocation of resources (in percentages of the overall budget)
  4. Monitoring and evaluation framework for key performance indicators
• Final consultation with focus group composed of UNICEF team and key stakeholders and adjustments to the proposed plan

Qualifications of Successful Candidate 

• Higher education degree in preferably Communication, or social sciences;
• At least 7 years of professional experience in Awareness Raising, Social Mobilization,  Communication-related field;
• Basic understanding and knowledge of international principles and legal instruments related to children in contact with the law;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to different cultural context and situations;
• Advanced skills in planning, decision-making, critical thinking, facilitation and coordination; 
• Ability to work independently as well as to welcome guidance;
• Possess a good knowledge of UNICEF, Child Protection, Communication for Development and the media situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Fluency in English language, written and oral;
• Proficiency in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) languages and understanding of context is mandatory.

Please indicate your ability, availability and lump sum fee (in USD or BAM) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable).  Applications submitted without a lump sum fee will not be considered.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization

For further details please contact Human Resources at UNICEF Office in Sarajevo, Ms. Marina Kadic at 387 33 293 606, mkadic@unicef.org